Southern California -- this just in

Driver allegedly involved in drug deal smashes into County Jail

August 30, 2011 | 7:54
pm

A man allegedly involved in a drug deal Tuesday afternoon in skid row tried to evade police by taking a wild ride through downtown, where he drove the wrong way along busy streets before smashing his vehicle into the Central Jail, authorities said.

Undercover narcotics officers saw the transaction about 4:30 p.m. and began following the man, who started to drive the wrong way through downtown, the Los Angeles Police Department said.

The officers stopped their pursuit, police said, but the driver kept going. Initial reports indicate that he hit parked vehicles before crashing into the Los Angeles County Central Jail at 441 Bauchet Street in Chinatown, according to the LAPD.

The man was apprehended by LAPD officers, who were investigating the case Tuesday evening. No additional details were available.